Carteret receives $4.9 million Grant For Waterfront Cove Cleanup

CARTERET–The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has awarded approved a $4.9 million grant to Carteret towards remediation efforts in the Chrome Brownfield Development Area, Mayor Dan Reiman and Councilman Jorge Diaz announced.

The NJ Economic Development Authority (EDA) has approved the Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund (HDSRF) award, which will be applied towards the remediation and dredging of a portion of the Waterfront Cove, adjacent to the Arthur Kill.

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In 2008, Reiman and the Borough Council joined representatives from the D.E.P. for the official signing of Carteret’s Waterfront Brownfields Development Agreement. The agreement will allow for up to $25 million in HDSRF grants for remediation along Carteret’s Waterfront Park and Redevelopment Area.

The dredging project will represent the first step in the establishment of the town’s anticipated marina, which will comprise Phase III of the overall Waterfront Park development. In October, the borough awarded a $2.589 million contract for construction of an extension to the Veterans Memorial Fishing Pier to Atlantic Subsea, Inc.

The two-acre cove formerly hosted an IT Williams wood finishing plant, what was until the mid-1900s the largest mahogany plant in the country. The dredging will address the presence of arsenic and other contaminants left by the facility, in addition to making way for the marina project.

Dredging could begin as early as the summer. The marina, nestled within a cove along the Arthur Kill, will host up to 276 slips and various amenities for regional boaters.

Through the NJDEP and NJEDA Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund, these properties now qualify for up to $5 million in funding annually that will be applied for on a site by site basis. This will include 100% of the cost for environmental investigation and 75% of the remedial action work to be performed in order for the properties to be beneficially redeveloped. The program is the only of its kind in New Jersey that provides grants to public entities for cleanup costs of Brownfield sites.

The NJDEP works with selected communities affected by multiple brownfield sites to design and implement remediation and reuse plans for these properties simultaneously. This approach enables site investigation, remediation and reuse to occur in a coordinated fashion. In the process, various stakeholders, including owners of contaminated properties, potentially responsible parties, developers, community groups, technical experts for the local government and residents, and residents themselves, may become involved and participate in cleanup and revitalization.

“The waterfront B.D.A. designation was a milestone in the development of Carteret’s waterfront properties,” Reiman said. “We are now seeing evidence of our waterfront’s potential with our multi-faceted Waterfront Park redevelopment. The evolution of this area as a center for recreation, transit, and as a mixed-use residential setting will help redefine Carteret and play a significant role in our ongoing economic revitalization. This BDA funding will provide for the remediation and dredging needed to begin construction on our marina, planting a seed for greater regional integration and further sustainable improvements.”

Of the $4.9 million approved and awarded, $600,000 is reimbursement to the brough for previous capping and remediation along the waterfront. The $4.3 million remaining balance is designated for the cove dredging.

According to borough officials, the award is for the 2010 cycle of the town’s BDA designation. In addition, the borough will receive up to $5 million in 2011.